What Are Dark Spots on Skin, and How Can You Treat Them?

What Are Dark Spots on the Skin?

Dark spots go by several names, including age spots, sun spots, and liver spots. They are patches of skin that are darker than the skin around them and can range in color from brown to black, sometimes with a yellowish tone.

They show up most often on the face, hands, and arms. Some are only a few millimeters across, while others can measure several centimeters.

Signs and Symptoms of Dark Spots

What you notice depends on the cause, but the most common signs are:

• Areas of discolored skin
• Patchy or uneven skin tone
• Spots that look darker or more pigmented than the surrounding skin

A spot that bleeds, itches, or burns is not typical of an ordinary dark spot. If you notice any of these changes, see a dermatologist so the cause can be found and treated properly.

What Causes Dark Spots on the Skin?

Many different factors can lead to dark spots. Some of the most common include the following.

Sun Exposure

Sun exposure is one of the leading causes of dark spots. Ultraviolet (UV) rays damage skin cells and prompt them to make more melanin, the pigment that gives skin its color. Over time, that extra pigment collects into visible spots.

Age

As skin ages, it loses elasticity and becomes more likely to develop wrinkles and age spots.

Hormonal Changes

Shifts in hormone levels can trigger dark patches, which is why they often appear during pregnancy or menopause.

Inflammation and Skin Conditions

Inflammatory skin conditions such as psoriasis and eczema, along with other sources of skin irritation, can injure skin cells. The skin may respond by producing more melanin, leaving dark marks behind.

Certain Medications

Some medications, including birth control pills and certain acne medications, can cause dark spots as a side effect.

Skin Tone

People with darker skin tones are more prone to developing dark spots than people with lighter skin.

Diabetes

Diabetes can affect the skin in several ways, and darker patches of skin are one of them. If you have diabetes and notice new areas of darkening, mention them to your doctor.

Genetics

Some people are simply more likely to develop dark spots because of the genes they inherited.

Wound Healing

When a cut, scrape, or other wound heals, the new skin that replaces the damaged area can be darker than the skin around it, leaving a dark mark.

How Are Dark Spots Treated?

Several in-office treatments can help fade dark spots. Your dermatologist will recommend an option based on the cause of your spots and your skin type.

Laser Therapy

Laser treatments use focused light to target the pigment that makes the spots look dark.

Microdermabrasion

Microdermabrasion uses an abrasive tool to buff away the top layer of damaged skin cells, which can help lighten dark spots.

Chemical Peels

A chemical peel applies an acid, such as glycolic acid or salicylic acid, to remove the outer layer of damaged skin.

Cryotherapy

Cryotherapy uses extreme cold to destroy the pigmented cells responsible for a dark spot.

What About Home Remedies?

Many people would like to try treating dark spots at home first. It is worth knowing what to expect before you do.

Over-the-Counter Creams

Plenty of store-bought creams claim to fade dark spots, but the evidence that they work is limited. If you want to try a cream, ask a dermatologist which product, if any, makes sense for your skin.

DIY and Natural Remedies

You will find many do-it-yourself remedies for dark spots online. Some can irritate the skin, and irritation can leave even more discoloration behind. A dermatologist should guide your treatment so you avoid making the spots worse.

Cosmetics

Makeup can help cover dark spots while you pursue treatment. Some cosmetic products also contain ingredients intended to even out skin tone, and your dermatologist can help you choose ones that suit your skin.

How Dark Spots Are Diagnosed

A dermatologist diagnoses dark spots by examining them closely and asking about your medical history. If the spots may be related to an underlying skin condition, your doctor may recommend tests to confirm the diagnosis.

Most dark spots are harmless, but some skin cancers, including melanoma, can look like a dark spot. Any spot that is new, changing in size, shape, or color, or looks different from your other spots should be checked by a dermatologist.

Risk Factors for Dark Spots

Anyone can develop dark spots, regardless of age, gender, or skin color. Some factors make them more likely, including:

• Sun exposure
• Aging
• Genetics
• Skin conditions
• Heavy use of cosmetics

How to Prevent Dark Spots

A few everyday habits can lower your chances of developing new dark spots:

• Wear sunscreen daily. Choose SPF 30 or higher and apply it every day.
• Limit midday sun. UV rays are strongest from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., so seek shade or stay indoors when you can during those hours.
• Skip tanning beds. They give off UV rays that damage skin and can lead to dark spots.
• Avoid smoking. Smoking damages the collagen in your skin, which can lead to premature aging and dark spots.

Taking Care of Your Skin

Dark spots can be frustrating, but they can be treated, and many can be prevented. Our dermatologists at Team Dermatology can identify what is causing your spots and talk through the options that make sense for you, so your skin looks more even and feels healthy.

Related reading

• Treating Sun Damage, Brown Spots, and Redness with Lasers
• Chemical Peels for Hyperpigmentation, Dark Skin and Sensitive Skin
• What is melasma?
• Mole checks and evaluation
• Skin cancer screening and treatment

If you are concerned about dark spots or have a spot that has changed, request an appointment with one of our dermatologists at our Houston-area clinics. We will examine your skin and help you choose the right next step.